The term "laboureth" is an archaic English form of the verb "labor," which appears in various translations of the Bible, including the Berean Standard Bible . It is used to describe the act of working diligently or toiling, often in the context of agricultural or spiritual endeavors. The concept of labor is deeply embedded in biblical teachings, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of human effort.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Genesis 3:17-19: The concept of labor is introduced early in the Bible, following the Fall of Man. God tells Adam, "Cursed is the ground because of you; through toil you will eat of it all the days of your life. It will produce thorns and thistles for you, and you will eat the plants of the field. By the sweat of your brow you will eat your bread until you return to the ground." This passage highlights the toil and labor that became part of human existence as a result of sin.

2. Proverbs 14:23 : "In all labor there is profit, but mere talk leads only to poverty." This proverb underscores the value of diligent work, suggesting that labor brings about tangible benefits, while idle talk results in lack.

3. Ecclesiastes 3:13 : "And also that every man should eat and drink and find satisfaction in all his labor—this is the gift of God." Here, labor is portrayed as a divine gift, with the ability to bring satisfaction and fulfillment to human life.

4. John 6:27 : Jesus instructs, "Do not work for food that perishes, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you." This passage shifts the focus from physical labor to spiritual labor, emphasizing the importance of working towards eternal, spiritual goals.

5. 1 Corinthians 15:58 : "Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain." The Apostle Paul encourages believers to remain committed to their spiritual work, assuring them that their efforts are meaningful and will be rewarded.

Theological Implications

The concept of labor in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing both the physical toil required to sustain life and the spiritual labor necessary for growth in faith. Labor is seen as a means of fulfilling God's mandate for humanity, as well as a way to participate in His creative and redemptive work. The Bible presents labor as both a consequence of the Fall and a potential source of blessing and satisfaction when aligned with God's purposes.

Practical Applications

For believers, the biblical perspective on labor encourages a balanced approach to work, recognizing it as both a duty and a blessing. Christians are called to work diligently in their earthly vocations while also prioritizing their spiritual labor in the service of God's kingdom. This dual focus ensures that their efforts contribute to both their temporal well-being and their eternal destiny.

In summary, "laboureth" in the biblical sense encompasses the full spectrum of human effort, urging believers to engage in both physical and spiritual work with diligence and purpose, trusting in God's provision and ultimate reward.6001. amel -- a laborer, sufferer
... From amal; toiling; concretely, a laborer; figuratively, sorrowful -- that laboureth,
that is a misery, had taken (labour), wicked, workman. see HEBREW amal. ...
/hebrew/6001.htm - 5k

A Bundle of Proverbs
... He that laboureth laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him.27. An
ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips there is as a burning fire.28. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a bundle of proverbs.htm

On Avoiding Rash Judgment
... In judging others a man laboureth in vain; he often erreth, and easily falleth into
sin; but in judging and examining himself he always laboureth to good ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter xiv on avoiding rash.htm

To the Reader. Christian Reader
... with such plainness of speech demonstrated, as may enable the most bruised reed
to quench all the fiery darts of the devil, whereby he laboureth to affright ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/to the reader christian reader.htm

Prosperity and Adversity are from the Lord
... ESSAYS ii Prosperity and Adversity are from the Lord. There is one that toileth,
and laboureth, and maketh haste, and is so much the more behind. ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/ii prosperity and adversity are.htm

Two views of Life
... The question with which he begins his book is, 'What profit hath a man of all his
labour wherein he laboureth under the sun?' And for answer he looks at the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/two views of life.htm

Of the Diverse Motions of Nature and of Grace
... 4. "Nature laboureth for her own advantage, and considereth what profit she may
gain from another; but Grace considereth more, not what may be useful and ...
/.../kempis/imitation of christ/chapter liv of the diverse.htm

It Raiseth Corn to Supply You with Food
... It moveth and laboureth night and day for your comfort and service; it sprinkleth
flowers upon the ground for your pleasure; and in all these things sheweth ...
/.../traherne/centuries of meditations/8 it raiseth corn to.htm

Abbot Theodore's Answer to the Question Proposed to Him.
... Him: for surely where is the God of judgment?" [1369] Adding further that blasphemy
which is described in the same way in what follows: "He laboureth in vain ...
/.../cassian/the works of john cassian /chapter ii abbot theodores answer.htm

Psalm IV.
... For, "vanity is of deceivers, and all is vanity." [94] "What profit hath a man of
all his labour, wherewith he laboureth under the sun?" Why then are ye held ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm iv.htm

He.
... Since "all things are vanity: what is man's abundance, with all his toil, wherein
he laboureth under the sun?" [5173] For our temporal welfare itself finally ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/he.htm

Laboureth (8 Occurrences)
...Laboureth (8 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians 16:16 That ye submit yourselves unto such,
and to every one that helpeth with us, and laboureth. (KJV). ...
/l/laboureth.htm - 8k

Craveth (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Craveth (2 Occurrences). Proverbs 16:26 He that laboureth
laboureth for himself; for his mouth craveth it of him. (KJV WBS). ...
/c/craveth.htm - 7k

Advantage (44 Occurrences)
... want. (YLT NAS). Ecclesiastes 1:3 What advantage 'is' to man by all his labour
that he laboureth at under the sun? (YLT NAS). Ecclesiastes ...
/a/advantage.htm - 19k

Labouring (18 Occurrences)

/l/labouring.htm - 11k

Oneself (10 Occurrences)
... that which I have seen: it is good, yea, it is comely for one to eat and to drink,
and to enjoy pleasure for all his labour, wherein he laboureth under the sun ...
/o/oneself.htm - 9k

Labourest (1 Occurrence)

/l/labourest.htm - 6k

Labourer (8 Occurrences)
... latter rain. (DBY). Proverbs 16:26 The appetite of the labourer laboureth
for him, for his mouth urgeth him on. (DBY). Ecclesiastes ...
/l/labourer.htm - 8k

Fruits (109 Occurrences)
... (WEB KJV WEY ASV BBE WBS RSV). 2 Timothy 2:6 The husbandman that laboureth
must be first partaker of the fruits. (KJV ASV DBY WBS YLT). ...
/f/fruits.htm - 37k

Enjoyment (11 Occurrences)
... that which I have seen: it is good, yea, it is comely for one to eat and to drink,
and to enjoy pleasure for all his labour, wherein he laboureth under the sun ...
/e/enjoyment.htm - 10k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus